Short scar / Vr facelift

As we age our faces undergo many characteristic changes. The skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner. The ligaments supporting the facial structures relax causing features to drop, and the natural distribution of fat in our face changes. The overall effect is of a saggy face with deeper lines and creases. In the ealry stages of aging, many non surgical treatments can hide and slow some of these signs, however there often comes a time when these can no longer provide the desired results and patients may consider surgical options including facelift.

About the surgery

There are many different types of facelift described and Mr West will assess your face and recommend the most appropriate one for you. The Vr facelift is a short scar facelift. It is ideally suited to people who have moderate jowls and desire rejuvenation of the lower face and jawline. It is not a neck lift and people who have concerns with their neck would be better suited with a face and neck lift. It can tighten the jaw line (jowls) and return volume to the midface. In doing so it can also soften the deep lines that run from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds), the lines from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines).

Indication

Aging face, jowls, sagging, loose skin, facial descent

Anesthetic

Local

Downtime

10 – 14 days

Results

Natural long lasting rejuvenation of the jaw line, lower and mid face.

Anatomy

Tightening of the SMAS layer in the face to tighten the jaw, reduce jowls and restore volume to the midface

Duration

2-3 hours

Exercise

3-4 weeks

Price

From £6495

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

The team will welcome you to the clinic and get you settled and relaxed. We will go through the procedure and discuss the process and sign the consent form. Photographs will be taken before heading to theatre.

Mr West will mark the planned incision meticulously to ensure the exact result. Local anaesthetic is injected which stings for a few seconds. Through the skin incisions, the skin is elevated off the supporting SMAS layer of the face. Permanent stitches are placed in the SMAS to provide the lift. Excess skin is removed and the skin is closed with a single running stitch. Antibiotic ointment is placed over the scars and a post surgical compression dressing is put on.

Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and will be looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will ensure all aftercare is explained and follow up appointments are arranged before letting you leave.

Frequently asked questions

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

We will discuss this in detail at your consultation. Swelling and bruising for a 1 – 2 weeks is to be expected. Infections can occur which are treated with antibiotics and you will be given a course to take after surgery. Minor bleeding can rarely happen which should stop with pressure. The scar is usually very well concealed in the natural fold of the ear and hairline. Sometimes this can take a while to settle down and is helped by regular massage. Minor asymmetry can happen but is rarely noticeable. Damage to the facial nerve causing weakness or paralysis of facial movement is an extremely rare complication.

What are the follow up or aftercare procedures?

Sutures are removed after 10 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. Further review appointment is usually made 4-6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is ok after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Anything that gets your face red (bending over, heavy lifting) should be avoided in the first 2 weeks.

How long do the results last?

Plastic surgery can’t stop the aging process, it just resets the clock. Therefore, after surgery you will age in a similar way just from a different starting point.

Will this surgery improve my neck?

The Vr / short scar face lift is not designed to improve the neck. It is best for treating the jowls, jawline and mid face. If you have concerns about your neck, then a face and neck lift is likely to be more appropriate.

When can I wash my hair?

Hair can be gently washed the day after surgery using mild shampoo.

Related Treatments

Face and Necklift

Face and neck lift surgery aims to restore a youthful and natural appearance to the face by lifting and tightening the skin and soft tissues. Patients often have other procedures at the same time including lip lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty and brow lift.

Deep plane face and neck lift

Effortlessly releases and lifts deep connective tissues and muscles of the face in the folds of the mouth and jowls.

Z plasty neck lift

Z plasty neck lift surgery is designed to address excess skin and fat of the anterior neck – the area under the chin. As the scar can be concealed with stubble or a beard, it is a much more common procedure for men.

Lip Lift

Lip lift is a quick operation performed under local anaesthetic (awake) that rebalances and rejuvenates the upper lip.

Lower Blepharoplasty

The term “lower blepharoplasty” includes a collection of surgical techniques that aim to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty constitutes the surgical repair or reconstruction of the upper eyelid including management of upper eyelid skin.

Fat transfer / fat grafting

Fat transfer involves removing fat from one place via liposuction and reinjecting it into to another area to add volume and improve the shape.

Related Conditions

Aging / saggy / tired face

Jowls

Facial lines / creases / wrinkles

Saggy neck / turkey neck

Volume loss / hollow cheeks / hollow temples

Testimonials

“After years of being self conscious about my eyes, i decided to have my upper blepharoplasty with Chris and the results are better than I had ever anticipated. The service I received before during and after the operation is unmatched. Dr west is a patient, calming and a highly skilled surgeon. If you’re thinking of going for it. Do it, you won’t regret it! Thank you again.”

“I recently had upper eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ) with Mr Christopher West. Very experienced surgeon so I felt straight away I’m in a good hands. I had barely any bruising or swelling and the scars are so neat. Overall the results exceeded my expectations which I’m extremely grateful for! 10/10 highly recommended! Thank you.”

“I found Dr Christopher West from 3 people's recommendation and came all the way from London. The upper blepharoplasty procedure was completely painless. I had a small amount of post op bruising, but could carry on with life almost immediately after. The recovery time was around one week. Once my sutures were removed the result was immediately evident. I am extremely pleased with the results of my upper blepharoplasty, and cannot hesitate to praise the skills of Dr Christopher West. Fantastic results. I highly recommend Mr Christopher West”

“I had been researching my options for surgery for a couple of years, I'd had lots of consultations with London based surgeons, I opted for Mr West as not only had I seen his work first hand on a few friends, I liked his approach to surgery, he is very honest and if he feels you don't need something or wouldn't benefit from it he will tell you straight, he's very good at managing your expectations. After a couple of consultations I booked in with him, for an upper blepharoplasty. Mr West saw me before surgery to go over everything, he has a very calming and kind nature which definitely helps before you are about to go under the knife, I am very happy with my results, Chris is very skilled surgeon, his stitches and incisions are immaculate, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is considering surgery.”